James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I support colleagues who raised the issue of the redress scheme for Dr. Neary's victims. A number of Members have raised the issue in both Houses. With Oireachtas colleagues in the north-east region, I have met victims who are excluded owing to the current parameters of the redress scheme. It is such a unique and heart rending case in many respects that I hope the Leader will take on board the request for statements on the matter because the Minister for Health and Children should address the issue in the House. It is most unfair and arbitrary to make a date of birth the barrier to access the scheme. As previous speakers said, deliberately leaving some women out will make them feel even worse and this doubles the harshness of the unfair treatment they received at the hands of the heath service, an arm of the State. It behoves the Members of both Houses to put in place a structure to accommodates the women concerned and their families and gives them an opportunity to address the stress and suffering they have endured throughout their lives. I urge the Leader to take on board our concerns. I thank colleagues for raising the issue here today and in the Dáil last week.